Meirion Baker, Laurence Jobs, Louis Brett, Sunmisola Sam-Aina, Zoe Hodgson, Nancy Wall
Earlier this month, QE was honoured to attend the Darlington Borough Council Stronger Communities Awards 2025 at the Dolphin Centre, a fantastic celebration of the people and organisations that make our community thrive.
We were thrilled to see several QE students and alumni recognised for their achievements across multiple categories. Being shortlisted for these awards is an incredible accomplishment and reflects the hard work, ambition, and commitment each student demonstrated during their time at QE.
Academic Excellence Award
A huge congratulations to Louis Brett, a QE alumnus who left in 2025, for winning the Academic Excellence Award. Louis achieved an outstanding four A* grades in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Further Mathematics, securing the highest Mathematics result in the college and ranking among the top scorers nationally. He is now studying Natural Sciences at Durham University. During his time at QE, Louis also took part in our Golf enrichment programme, showing his dedication to both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
We were also proud to see Kaysan Azam-Mcardle and Sunmisola Sam-Aina shortlisted in this category. Kaysan is now studying English at the University of Oxford after achieving A* grades in English Literature, French, Politics, and his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Alongside his academic success, Kaysan embraced college life through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Oxbridge Ready programme, Student Association, Young Reporter Scheme, and Interact/Volunteering group.
Sunmisola Sam-Aina, now studying Pharmacy at De Montfort University. Sunmisola achieved A* grades in Biology and EPQ, alongside strong results in Chemistry and Psychology. She also contributed to QE through enrichment activities such as Creative Writing, QE DARES (Diversity, Anti-Racism and Equality Society), French for Beginners, and the Green Group, as well as being an active member of the Student Association and Oxbridge Ready programme.
Exceptional Student Award
Two QE students were shortlisted for this award. Ollie Porter, currently in his second year at QE, is studying Criminology, Physical Education, and Psychology. Ollie made an incredible impression in his first year at QE and continues to work hard towards his goals and is an enthusiastic member of the college community. Ollie is also an incredibly successful wheelchair basketball athlete, being one of the 12 athletes picked from across the UK to represent Britain in the world championships in Sao Paulo in Brazil earlier this year. Ollie continues to thrive both in his academics, and his on the court journey.
Zoe Hodgson, now studying Early Years and Primary Education (3–7) with QTS at Sheffield Hallam University, achieved excellent results in Psychology, Sport and Leisure, and Health and Social Care. Zoe also took part in a wide range of enrichment activities, including Dementia Awareness, Deaf Awareness, the Green Group, and Interact/Volunteering, as well as being a valued member of the Student Association.
Enhancing the Lives of Children and Young People Award
Finally, Sanskriti Thapa was shortlisted for this award and is now studying Biomedical Science at the University of East Anglia. Sanskriti achieved strong results in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics and was deeply involved in college life. She contributed to the Culture Day group, supported Deaf Awareness and BSL initiatives, and served as a First Aid and Mental Health First Aid Champion. Sanskriti also participated in the Interact/Volunteering group, Medics Society, QE DARES, QE Explore, and worked as a Student Ambassador—highlighting her passion for both science and helping others.
We are incredibly proud of all our students and alumni for their hard work, ambition, and commitment to making a difference. Their success at the Stronger Communities Awards is a testament to the values we uphold at QE – academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement.
